live recording

[mbc113]

any one have any tips on a live 2-mic stereo recording of a loud rock band? any suggesions on mic placement in the room? is it worthwhile to get a 2-track out of the house board as well?

[Chaorta]

Well, mic'ing is a pain. Each room is different. I just take an out from the House into my minidisc.

[DreamwaveMusic]

in those cases where the house isn't micing everything, just get a pair of small diaphram condensors and feed them into something like a microtrack, thats the easiest way. A more pro set up would be something like Stereo Pair > Portable 2 channel mic pre (v2) > Portable 2 channel A/D Converter (apogee) > Portable DAT/HD/CD recorder. I used to work for a studio that had that portable setup with a custom battery pack and matched shoeps mini's, I loved taking that out to shows.

[fargone]

XY 2 small diaphram mics (something like, Rodes NT4, NT5, AKG 451, DPA 4011, Earthworks, Schoeps) Use your ears to find the best spot in the room. Getting the mics above the crowd is a BIG necessity. If done correctly, you can really get some nice recordings despite whatever crappy bootleg you've heard.

[fargone]

I'm opposed to most out-of-house board mixes. Those mixes are done to reinforce whatever is coming off stage. If the guitar amps / bass amps / cymbals have enough volume on stage, they may not have much coming out of the PA. The vocals, DI bass, snare, and kick will usually be far to present in the board mix at that point to be used in a usable recording.

Also, many clubs are very reluctant to let you patch into their board.